Page 10 of Wolf Bitten

“Because, in our circle, vampires and witches are equals and work together for a common cause,” she replied simply.

Wait. “Circle? As in the supernatural world?”

“No, the organization Warin and I are part of. The Veiled Circle. It’s a secret society that formed centuries ago with one goal. To diminish the power and influence of the wolf shifters so witches and vampires can have an equal say in matters, especially within their own species.”

“Witches and vampires?” A lump formed in my throat. I didn’t like the way that sounded. “What do you plan to do with the wolf shifters?”

Warin smiled so big I could see every tooth in his mouth. “Oh, they’ll still be around, but the royal family and anyone who opposes us will be imprisoned, if not killed, for dissenting. Thosesavageshave been in control for way too long, killing thousands of vampires needlessly just because we exist.”

My skin crawled. Something about him was horribly off, but I supposed living for as long as he had might put his sanity at risk.

Worse, the idea of Raffe dead or imprisoned had my blood jolting despite the drug. “Why haven’t you done that yet?”

“Because our organization is small but mighty. We include only those who are most trusted, which was why, when we saw the sign of your birth, we were excited.” Glinda rubbed her hands together. “With your power, you can help us regain our rightful place, and vampires and witches can once again embrace who they truly are without hiding.”

My heart froze. Knowing what I did about animal behavior, I assumed most of the wolf shifters would be against this secret organization. “You do realize that wolf shifters won’t support the mistreatment of their alphas. There’ll be too many rebellious shifters to take them all prisoner.” They’d be talking about genocide.

“Good riddance.” Warin shrugged. “Fewer wolf shifters to monitor.”

Oh, I was sure the vampires would be more than happy with that. Fewer people around to kill them when they stepped out of line.

Glinda glared at him and said, “We’re hoping that won’t be the case, but we’re aware of the possibility. Either way, the wolf shifters have proven to be able to reproduce effectively. Their heritage will survive, and the next generation will be more accepting of the change in leadership since they won’t have lived with the present power structure.”

Acid burned my throat. They wanted to mistreat people for mistreating them. Their whole mission was tainted, and they’d be perpetuating the same cycle, but I knew better than to say that out loud. “And what if I don’t agree to work with you?” I had no doubt they wouldn’t let me out of here alive.

“I’m not worried.” Glinda lowered her hands at her side. “You’re the arcane-born. The restorer of balance in the world. It’s your duty and the whole reason you’re alive here and now. With time, you’ll see the truth and believe in our mission.”

A faint knock sounded on the door before it opened.

A man with light-tan skin stepped inside, his eyes a light brown that contrasted with the thick eyeliner around his eyes. “Priestess Glinda, I hate to interrupt, but we have an issue. Can you come with me outside?”

She tensed and glanced at Warin.

Warin placed a hand over his heart. “I promise I’ll behave. I won’t harm her. Like you said, we’re a team.”

“You have two seconds.” Glinda walked to the door and assured me, “I’ll be right outside the door.”

I wanted to beg for her not to go, but that would only give Warin more power.

When the door shut, Warin blurred the five feet toward me. His nose touched my neck, and he inhaled.

I tensed.

“Just to be clear, if you don’t join our team, Iwillkill you,” he whispered in my ear.

I gritted my teeth. “Back away. Glinda will return any second, and she won’t like this.”

He laughed, grabbed me by the neck, lifted me, and pressed my back to the wall.

CHAPTER FOUR

His fingers dug into my neck, causing my blood to jolt, the worst thing possible around a vampire. At least it wasn’t a fizz. I wasn’t sure how I could protect myself if it came to that.

“I may be part of the society and must get along with the members, but that doesn’t mean I must obey them.” A sinister smile slowly spread across his face, and his thumb pressed harder into my artery. “If I think you’re a risk, I’ll eliminate you. For now, you get a pass, but know it’s becauseIchoose to allow it.”

I hated how helpless I felt, and I missed the hum of my blood. Even if I couldn’t control it, at least it didsomethingto protect me—apart from the few times I could have died from it.

Raffe seemed to make that all better.

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